Columbine Crime Scene Evidence Released

Notes Taken By First Officers Inside Columbine High School

4:37 AM, Jun 19, 2001

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Initial notes made by the first officers
who arrived on the scene of the Columbine High School shootings
indicated the killers acted with cruelty.

The 700 pages of notes released Tuesday under a judge's order
stated that one victim appeared to have been shot at very close range in
the face. Another victim appeared to have been shot while she lay
prone on the floor.

The notes and sketches made by investigators immediately after
the April 20, 1999, shootings, include graphic details of the crime
scene.

District Judge Brooke Jackson in April ordered the materials
released after CBS and several victims' families requested them.

"Some of the contents might fall within the 'be careful what
you ask for' category," Jackson said in his April 6 order.

Students Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold killed 12 students and a
teacher before committing suicide.

Some victims' relatives had sued to gain access to the
investigative materials to prove their claims that authorities
mishandled the response and failed to heed warnings of the rampage.
Authorities have denied those allegations.

"I doubt that after this release that we've seen all that is
available," said Brian Rohrbaugh, who claims his son Daniel was
killed by police. "The sheriff's department has tried very
methodically not to release that information."

County officials said some material will never be released,
including most autopsy reports, and crime scene photos.

The lab books are available at the records desk on the lower level of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Complex, 200 Jefferson County Parkway. Those wanting to purchase the materials should make checks payable to Jefferson County for the cost of printing, which is $37. The county cannot accept credit-card payments.